Lagos State History: Culture, Economy & People

At a Glance

Capital	Ikeja
Geopolitical Zone	South West
Date Created	May 27, 1967
Created From	Created from the former Federal Territory of Lagos and part of the former Western Region
Area	3,345 km²
Governor	Babajide Sanwo-Olu (APC) — since 2019
Nickname	Centre of Excellence
No. of LGAs	20

History of Lagos State

Pre-Colonial Lagos — Awori, Benin and Yoruba Heritage

The history of Lagos stretches back centuries before the arrival of European colonial powers. The area was inhabited by indigenous communities including the Awori, a Yoruba-speaking people traditionally regarded as among the earliest inhabitants of the Lagos coastal area. Fishing, farming and trade were important activities in the lagoon environment.

Lagos also became connected to the wider political influence of the Benin Kingdom. Historical traditions describe periods of Benin influence over the settlement, while Yoruba political and cultural institutions continued to shape communities across the area.

The settlement that became Lagos was historically known as Oko and later became associated with the name Lagos through Portuguese and European usage. Its location on islands, lagoons and waterways made it a natural centre for coastal commerce.

Lagos and the Atlantic Slave Trade

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Lagos became an important centre of Atlantic trade. European merchants and African traders participated in the movement of people and commodities through the coastal settlement.

The slave trade brought considerable disruption and political competition to the region. Powerful merchant families and political interests competed for control of the port and its commercial networks. The consequences of the trade shaped Lagos's political and demographic development for generations.

By the nineteenth century, Lagos had become one of the most important coastal settlements in the Bight of Benin. Its strategic location made it increasingly important to British commercial and political interests.

Colonial Lagos — British Annexation and Crown Colony

British forces occupied Lagos in the nineteenth century and Lagos was formally annexed by Britain in 1861 following the Treaty of Cession. The settlement subsequently became an important centre of British colonial administration and commerce in West Africa.

Lagos developed rapidly as a port city. European commercial companies, Christian missionaries and freed Africans from Sierra Leone and other parts of West Africa contributed to the development of education, commerce, religion and Western-style administration.

The city became the administrative centre of the British territories that eventually formed Nigeria. Railways, roads, schools, hospitals, government offices and port infrastructure expanded during the colonial period.

Lagos at Nigerian Independence

When Nigeria gained independence on 1 October 1960, Lagos served as the national capital. The city became the centre of federal government, diplomacy, commerce and national political activity.

Lagos experienced rapid population growth after independence as people migrated from different parts of Nigeria in search of employment, education and business opportunities. The city's ports, industries, financial institutions and government offices attracted workers and entrepreneurs from across the country.

The Lagos metropolitan area gradually expanded beyond the historic island settlements into mainland districts including Yaba, Surulere, Ikeja, Mushin, Agege, Apapa and other rapidly developing communities.

Creation of Lagos State — 27 May 1967

Lagos State was created on 27 May 1967 during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon. The creation followed the restructuring of Nigeria into 12 states.

The new Lagos State incorporated the former Federal Territory of Lagos and adjoining areas. Lagos remained the federal capital even after the creation of the state and continued to serve as Nigeria's political centre until the federal capital was transferred to Abuja in 1991.

The creation of Lagos State provided a separate state administration responsible for the rapidly expanding metropolitan population and surrounding rural communities.

Lagos After the Transfer of Nigeria's Capital to Abuja

In 1991, Abuja became Nigeria's official capital, ending Lagos's role as the national political capital. Lagos nevertheless remained Nigeria's commercial and financial powerhouse.

The transfer allowed Lagos to increasingly develop as a private-sector driven megacity and international business centre. Banking, telecommunications, entertainment, manufacturing, aviation, maritime trade and real estate became major components of the economy.

Ikeja became the administrative capital of Lagos State, while the broader Lagos metropolitan area continued expanding along the mainland, coastal and Lekki corridors.

Modern Lagos — Nigeria's Economic and Cultural Capital

Modern Lagos is Nigeria's leading commercial centre and one of Africa's most important urban economies. The state is home to major financial institutions, multinational companies, technology businesses, media organisations, universities, ports and entertainment companies.

The Lekki-Epe corridor has experienced rapid development, including major residential estates, industrial facilities, logistics centres, technology businesses and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Lagos is also the centre of Nigeria's entertainment industry. Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, television, advertising and digital media have made the city one of Africa's most influential cultural centres.

Geography of Lagos State

Topography

Lagos State is predominantly low-lying and coastal, with extensive lagoons, creeks, beaches, wetlands and relatively flat terrain. The landscape includes mainland plains, islands, coastal barriers and reclaimed areas. Much of metropolitan Lagos is situated around the Lagos Lagoon, Lekki Lagoon, creeks and the Atlantic coastline.

Rivers & Waterways

Important waterways include the Lagos Lagoon, Lekki Lagoon, Badagry Creek, Five Cowries Creek, Kuramo Waters, Ologe Lagoon and numerous smaller creeks. The Ogun River and other rivers influence the wider Lagos watershed.

Forests & Vegetation

Natural vegetation includes coastal swamp, mangrove, freshwater swamp and tropical lowland vegetation. Urban development has significantly transformed much of the original vegetation, although wetlands, lagoons, coastal vegetation and protected areas remain important ecological assets.

Climate

Climate type: Tropical wet and dry / coastal tropical climate

Lagos has a humid tropical climate influenced strongly by the Atlantic Ocean. The state experiences a long wet season with rainfall concentrated between approximately April and October, while the dry season occurs mainly from November to March. Coastal humidity remains high for much of the year.

Bordering States

Lagos State shares boundaries with: Ogun.

International Borders

Benin Republic

Culture & People of Lagos State

Ethnic Groups

Lagos has one of Nigeria's most diverse populations. Indigenous communities include the Awori, Egun, Ijebu, Eko and other Yoruba groups, alongside large migrant populations from virtually every part of Nigeria and communities from other African and international backgrounds.

Languages

Yoruba and English are widely spoken, while Nigerian Pidgin is extremely common in informal communication. Because Lagos attracts people from across Nigeria, Igbo, Hausa and numerous other Nigerian languages are also widely spoken.

Festivals & Celebrations

Major cultural events include the Eyo Festival, Lagos Carnival traditions, Ojude Oba-related cultural celebrations among Lagos's Ijebu communities, boat regattas, traditional chieftaincy ceremonies and numerous religious festivals. The annual Eyo tradition remains one of the most recognisable cultural symbols of Lagos.

Traditional Food

Lagos cuisine reflects both indigenous Yoruba coastal traditions and the city's multicultural population. Popular foods include jollof rice, fried rice, amala, eba, pounded yam, seafood, pepper soup, ewa agoyin, suya, moi moi, akara and various fish and prawns. Seafood is especially important in coastal communities.

Traditional Attire

Traditional Yoruba clothing including agbada, buba, sokoto, iro, buba, gele and aso-oke is widely worn during ceremonies. Lagos's fashion industry has also developed into one of Africa's largest contemporary fashion markets.

Music & Dance

Lagos is Nigeria's major centre for Afrobeats, Fuji, Juju, Highlife, Gospel and contemporary popular music. The city has produced or hosted some of Africa's most influential musicians and entertainment companies.

Arts & Crafts

Lagos has a strong tradition of textile design, beadwork, wood carving, sculpture, painting, fashion and contemporary visual arts. Galleries and creative districts around Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, Yaba and Lagos Island have helped establish Lagos as an international African art centre.

Traditional Rulers of Lagos State

Lagos Kingdom

Oba of Lagos: Oba Rilwan Akiolu (since 2003)

LGA: Lagos Island

The Oba of Lagos is the traditional ruler of Lagos Island and one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Lagos State. The Lagos royal institution has a long history associated with the development of the historic Lagos settlement and its commercial importance.

Eko-Awori Traditional Area

LGA: Lagos

Awori communities form an important indigenous component of Lagos's historical population. Traditional rulers and community leaders preserve local customs, land traditions, festivals and historical memory across many Awori settlements.

Badagry Kingdom

Akran of Badagry: Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I

LGA: Badagry

The Akran of Badagry is the traditional ruler of Badagry, a historic coastal kingdom famous for its role in pre-colonial trade, missionary activity and the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

Epe Kingdom

LGA: Epe

Epe has a long-established traditional institution and a strong fishing and trading heritage. The town developed around its lagoon and coastal commercial connections.

Ikorodu Kingdom

LGA: Ikorodu

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu is the traditional ruler of Ikorodu. The kingdom has historic links with Ijebu-Yoruba traditions and developed as an important commercial settlement between the mainland and surrounding waterways.

Economy of Lagos State

Lagos has Nigeria's largest and most diversified state economy. Major sectors include finance, banking, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, real estate, construction, transportation, logistics, entertainment, tourism, maritime trade and retail.

The state's strategic location on the Atlantic coast and its concentration of infrastructure make it a major gateway for international trade and investment.

Agriculture

Agriculture remains important in the less urbanised parts of Lagos, particularly in Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry and Ibeju-Lekki. Products include fish, vegetables, cassava, maize, coconut, oil palm, poultry, livestock and other food crops. Fishing and aquaculture are particularly important in coastal and lagoon communities.

Natural Resources

Lagos possesses resources associated with its coastal and sedimentary environment including sand, clay, silica sand, gravel and other construction materials. Offshore petroleum resources and the wider Gulf of Guinea also influence the state's energy and maritime economy.

Industries

Major industries include food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cement and building materials, chemicals, textiles, plastics, packaging, consumer goods, automobile assembly, technology and media.

Commerce & Trade

Lagos is Nigeria's leading commercial centre. Major trade and logistics facilities include the Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos International Airport, major markets and extensive road and logistics networks.

Government of Lagos State

Since its creation, Lagos State has been governed by the following:

#	Name	Party	Period	Note
1	Babajide Sanwo-Olu	APC	2019 — Present
2	Mobolaji Johnson		1967 — 1975	First Military Governor of Lagos State and one of the principal administrators during the early years of state creation.
3	Adekunle Lawal		1975 — 1977	Military Governor of Lagos State during the military administration following the change of government in 1975.
4	Gbolahan Mudasiru		1984 — 1986	Military Governor of Lagos State during the Buhari administration.
5	Mike Akhigbe		1986 — 1988	Military Governor of Lagos State during the Babangida administration.
6	Raji Rasaki		1988 — 1991	Military Governor of Lagos State during a period of rapid urban and infrastructural development.
7	Sir Michael Otedola	NRC	1992 — 1993	First civilian Governor of Lagos State during the short-lived Third Republic.
8	Buba Marwa		1996 — 1999	Military Administrator of Lagos State during the final years of military rule.
9	Bola Ahmed Tinubu	AD	1999 — 2003	Civilian Governor and first governor elected in Lagos State under the Fourth Republic.
10	Bola Ahmed Tinubu	AD	2003 — 2007	Second term as Governor. His administration introduced major reforms in taxation, transportation, urban planning and public infrastructure.
11	Babajide Sanwo-Olu	APC	2019 — Present	Incumbent Governor of Lagos State. He assumed office on 29 May 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.

Full governors history →

Education & Institutions in Lagos State

University of Lagos Federal — Est. 1962 — Lagos Mainland LGA
Lagos State University State — Est. 1983 — Ojo LGA
Lagos State University of Science and Technology State — Est. 1978 — Ikorodu LGA
Yaba College of Technology Federal — Est. 1947 — Yaba LGA
Lagos State Polytechnic State — Est. 1978 — Ikorodu LGA
Pan-Atlantic University Private — Est. 2002 — Lekki LGA

Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Lagos State

National Museum Lagos

Lagos Island LGA

The National Museum Lagos preserves important Nigerian archaeological, historical and cultural collections. It is located in Onikan and contains objects representing Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage.

National Theatre

Lagos Mainland LGA

The National Theatre in Iganmu is one of Nigeria's most recognisable cultural buildings. Completed in the 1970s, it became an important centre for performing arts, theatre, music and national cultural events.

Lekki Conservation Centre

Eti-Osa LGA

The Lekki Conservation Centre protects an important portion of Lagos's coastal ecosystem. It is famous for its canopy walkway, wetlands, mangrove vegetation, wildlife and environmental education programmes.

Freedom Park

Lagos Island LGA

Freedom Park is a major cultural and historical attraction on Lagos Island. Developed on the former site of Her Majesty's Broad Street Prison, the park combines Nigerian history, art, music and public cultural events.

Tafawa Balewa Square

Lagos Island LGA

Tafawa Balewa Square is one of Lagos's most important historic public spaces. It was associated with major national events, including the Nigerian independence celebrations of 1960.

Nike Art Gallery

Lekki LGA

Nike Art Gallery is one of the most prominent contemporary African art spaces in Lagos. It displays paintings, textiles, sculptures, beadwork and other works from Nigerian and African artists.

Badagry Slave Trade Heritage Sites

Badagry LGA

Badagry contains several historic sites associated with the transatlantic slave trade and the development of Christianity and Western education in Nigeria. These include the Slave Route, former slave markets, museums and historic missionary locations.

Eyo Festival Heritage

Lagos Island LGA

The Eyo Festival is one of the most distinctive traditional cultural traditions associated with Lagos Island. Masquerades dressed in white robes and elaborate headgear parade through historic parts of Lagos during major ceremonial occasions.

All landmarks →

Notable People from Lagos State

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (1938–1997) — Legendary Nigerian musician, composer and pioneer of Afrobeat. Lagos was central to his music, activism and cultural influence.
Wizkid (1990) — Globally recognised Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter who emerged from Lagos and became one of Africa's most internationally successful musicians.
Davido (1992) — Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and record producer who became one of the leading global figures in Afrobeats.
Wole Soyinka (1934) — Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian playwright, poet and writer whose career has strong connections to Lagos and Nigerian intellectual life.
Chinua Achebe (1930–2013) — Internationally acclaimed Nigerian novelist and author of Things Fall Apart. Lagos was important to his publishing and literary career.

Politics & Government

Herbert Macaulay (0000–1946) — Engineer, nationalist, political leader and co-founder of the Nigerian National Democratic Party.
Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996) — Nigeria's first President and one of the major figures in the country's independence movement. He spent significant parts of his political career in Lagos.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1952) — Former Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and President of Nigeria since 2023.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu (1965) — Governor of Lagos State since 2019 and a major figure in Lagos State administration and infrastructure development.

Sports

Hakeem Olajuwon (1963) — Nigerian-American basketball legend and two-time NBA champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest centres in basketball history.

Full notable people list →

Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State

Lagos State has 20 Local Government Areas:

Agege — HQ: Agege (17 km²) Agege is one of the densely populated mainland LGAs of Lagos State and is strongly integrated into the Lagos metropolitan economy.
Ajeromi-Ifelodun — HQ: Amukoko (14 km²) A highly urbanised LGA with one of the highest population densities in Lagos State.
Alimosho — HQ: Ikotun (138 km²) Alimosho is the most populous LGA in Lagos State by most available estimates and contains several large communities and LCDAs.
Amuwo-Odofin — HQ: Festac Town (179 km²) Amuwo-Odofin combines major residential estates with large commercial and industrial areas.
Apapa — HQ: Apapa (39 km²) Apapa hosts major port infrastructure and remains strategically important to Nigeria's international trade.
Badagry — HQ: Badagry (443 km²) Badagry is one of the four traditionally recognised suburban LGAs of Lagos State and is internationally known for its historical heritage.
Epe — HQ: Epe (965 km²) Epe is one of Lagos State's largest LGAs by geographical area and has significant agricultural, fishing and coastal resources.
Eti-Osa — HQ: Igbo Efon (299 km²) Eti-Osa contains many of Lagos's most prominent business districts, luxury residential areas and coastal developments.
Ibeju-Lekki — HQ: Akodo (653 km²) Ibeju-Lekki has become a major industrial and investment corridor because of the Lekki Free Zone, Lekki Deep Sea Port and major energy projects.
Ifako-Ijaiye — HQ: Iju (43 km²) Ifako-Ijaiye is a densely developed mainland LGA with strong residential and commercial activity.
Ikeja — HQ: Ikeja (50 km²) Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State and hosts the Lagos State Government Secretariat at Alausa.
Ikorodu — HQ: Ikorodu (345 km²) Ikorodu is one of the four major divisions of Lagos State and one of its largest suburban growth areas.
Kosofe — HQ: Ogudu (84 km²) Kosofe contains major transport and food distribution centres, including the important Mile 12 market area.
Lagos Island — HQ: Lagos Island (9 km²) Lagos Island is the historic core of the Lagos settlement and contains some of the state's most important heritage sites.
Lagos Mainland — HQ: Adekunle (20 km²) The LGA is home to Yaba, one of Lagos's most important education and technology clusters.
Mushin — HQ: Mushin (14 km²) Mushin is one of Lagos's most densely populated metropolitan LGAs.
Ojo — HQ: Ojo (182 km²) Ojo is a major western mainland LGA with extensive commercial and residential development.
Oshodi-Isolo — HQ: Oshodi (42 km²) The LGA occupies a strategically important position close to Murtala Muhammed International Airport and major transport corridors.
Shomolu — HQ: Shomolu (15 km²) Shomolu is historically associated with Lagos's printing and publishing industry.
Surulere — HQ: Surulere (27 km²) Surulere is a major residential and cultural district in mainland Lagos and has a long association with Nigerian entertainment and sports.

Detailed LGA information →

Did You Know? — Lagos State Facts

Lagos State was created on 27 May 1967 during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon.
Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State.
Lagos State has 20 constitutionally recognised Local Government Areas.
Lagos was Nigeria's national capital until the official transfer of the capital to Abuja in 1991.
Lagos is Nigeria's leading commercial and financial centre.
The state is located in Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone.
Lagos shares a land boundary with Ogun State and an international boundary with the Republic of Benin.
The state has an Atlantic coastline and an extensive network of lagoons, creeks and wetlands.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lagos State

What is Lagos State known for?

Lagos State is known for commerce, finance, entertainment, technology, ports, tourism, manufacturing, real estate and its position as Nigeria's leading economic centre. It is also famous for Lagos Island, Badagry, the Eyo Festival, beaches, nightlife and its highly diverse population.

What is the capital of Lagos State?

The capital of Lagos State is Ikeja. Ikeja is the administrative capital and hosts the Lagos State Government Secretariat at Alausa.

When was Lagos State created?

Lagos State was created on 27 May 1967 during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon.

Who is the Governor of Lagos State?

The Governor of Lagos State is Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress. He became governor in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023.

How many Local Government Areas are in Lagos State?

Lagos State has 20 constitutionally recognised Local Government Areas.

What are the 20 LGAs in Lagos State?

The 20 LGAs are Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu and Surulere.

What is the population of Lagos State in 2026?

There is no official 2026 census figure for Lagos State. Population figures used for 2026 should therefore be identified as estimates or projections. The LGA population values in this database are editorial estimates projected from available 2022 LGA estimates.

What is the land area of Lagos State?

Lagos State is commonly reported at about 3,671 square kilometres in national investment and government reference material. Lagos State statistical tables also provide detailed LGA land and water-area measurements.

Other South West States

All South West States →